GARDENING is a pursuit in which you never stop learning. There are always more plants to grow, new techniques to try, fashion trends to explore and tips to discover.

Each season brings a fresh round of problems and opportunities, spiced by our infinitely variable weather so no two years are ever the same and it really keeps you on your toes.

There's a lot to be said for learning from personal experience but on its own it can take a lifetime and a little outside help can speed things up. It also saves you money by teaching you how to do jobs you'd have to pay a professional to do, such as plant propagation or garden design. These are satisfying to do for yourself when you know how.

Books are essential, enabling you to tap in to the collected wisdom of experts in every field.

They are your first port of call for instant facts and inspiration but don't settle for grandad's hand-me-downs as the advice will be out of date and the products obsolete. It's worth keeping a collection of essential volumes you need to refer to regularly but books on highly specialist topics can be borrowed from the library.

If they don't have what you want on their shelves they will order it from another branch, and a reference library (in big cities and county towns) always keeps large expensive books on the premises for research.

Of course there's almost nothing you can't find out about by searching the internet or joining online forums.

There's a lot to be learned at evening classes or from talks at gardening clubs or specialist societies (such as the Alpine Garden Society, Hardy Plant Society etc) if there's a group that meets in your area.

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Colleges all around the country offer long and short courses to suit just about anyone

Local authorities often include gardening in their adult education programmes and horticultural colleges frequently do something similar after hours or during the holidays. Princess Margaret's former companion Sir Roddy Llewellyn, a professional gardener, often gives lectures.

There are also various short gardening courses on offer at great gardens all around the country where you can learn from experts in fabulous surroundings.

That's fine where you are gardening for your own pleasure but what if you decide to turn your hobby into a part-time earning opportunity or even a full-time career?

In that case it's certainly an advantage to have some kind of a qualification. A course bolsters self-confidence and knowledge so clients feel assured that you know what you're doing.

You might study for the RHS general certificate in gardening at evening classes or take a short course, or even a series, at a horticultural college.

If you are likely to take on work that involves chainsaws or chemicals you will certainly need the relevant qualification that shows you have been trained to use them safely.

Colleges all around the country offer long and short courses to suit just about anyone, which you can find on the internet. But for a one-stop shop about career opportunities and how to find the right course for you try the growcareers.info website and you will be amazed at what's available.

So don't let the grass grow under your feet this winter just because outdoor gardening is off. Use the time wisely to learn something new.

For more information on gardening and other subjects go to Alan Titchmarsh's website: www.alantitchmarsh.com